ENROLLMENT
Free preschool and family support services for eligible families!
Ready to apply? Fill out the form below!
Our application is also available to download in the following languages:
Frequently Asked Questions
Berkshire County Head Start services are delivered in a variety of settings, sometimes referred to as “options.” See below to find out which program option meets your family’s need.
Center-Base
Our center-based program takes place in child development centers. You have the option to choose between full-day or morning only.
REACH Program
The Resources to Empower and Advocate for Children and Households (REACH) program is intended to be a bridge for families who do not have help paying for childcare and need help transitioning to sustainable childcare funding.
ACE Space
Our A.C.E. Space program is designed to help families get ready for a full-day childcare center, but are not quite ready yet. This program includes bi-weekly home visits and twice-weekly in-program sessions.
Home-Base
Our home visiting program centers on helping the child learn using parent-child interactions, daily routines, and household materials right in your home! This includes weekly visits with your home-based visitor and monthly socializations for parents and children to gather as a group.
Dual-Placement
Through our partnership with Pittsfield Public Schools, children can receive specialized services through Pittsfield Public Schools when they have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or need a full day of care while also receiving Head Start services. Children spend part of the day in each program, and transportation is provided between locations during the mid-day transition.
Once you submit your application, the BCHS team will review it to ensure all necessary information is provided. If additional details are needed, a staff member will reach out to you. Complete applications are added to our enrollment “pool.” Each week, the enrollment team evaluates the pool using a prioritization system to determine which children should be enrolled first, based on family needs. If your child is accepted into the program, they will be assigned to a classroom, and a Family Advocate will contact you to arrange an intake meeting. If we are unable to place your child immediately, they will be added to our waiting list. Applications on the waitlist are reviewed weekly as openings become available.
Still have questions, or looking for the status of your application? Fill out the form below.
1 Meadow Lane
Pittsfield, Ma 01201
413-499-0137
